Promo Insiders
If it impacts the promotional products industry, then the editorial team for Counselor, ASI’s flagship publication, is on top of it. Join these industry insiders as they delve into the issues, challenges and opportunities that matter most to promo.
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11/2/2023
Top Takeaways From the ASI Power Summit
Brand authenticity, AI and industry sales were among the many compelling topics discussed at the event, which brings together top executives in promo.
10/26/2023
How To the Market Is Building Ethical Supply Chains
Jane Mosbacher Morris says she saw the power of leveraging market forces to effect change during her time working for the U.S. State Department.
10/18/2023
The Staying Power of Pens
Colleen Shea shares the history of her family’s 95-year-old writing instrument company and their commitment to keeping all production in New Jersey.
10/11/2023
Scams Aimed at Distributors Increase, Get More Sophisticated
ASI Media editors Christopher Ruvo and Theresa Hegel unpack how the schemes are becoming more cunning and provide tips to keep from getting conned.
10/4/2023
Building an Inclusive Workplace
About 10% of staff at Stakes Manufacturing has a disability. Co-Founder Jed Seifert talks about how inclusion benefits both employees and employers, and the many career resources available.
9/26/2023
Why Closed-Loop Manufacturing Is Crucial
Bill Johnston of Recover Brands and Andy Bell of Boxercraft talk about sustainability and how to meet ESG goals.
9/20/2023
A Candid Conversation With the CEO of Barstool Sports
Erika Ayers Badan will be the keynote speaker at the upcoming ASI Power Summit in California.
9/13/2023
Former White House Director of Economic Policy Dishes Advice for Thriving in Uncertain Times
Also a Harvard economics professor and managing director of a $15 billion hedge fund, Todd Buchholz will be speaking at the ASI Power Summit in October.
9/8/2023
Highlights From the 2023 State of the Industry Report
Don’t have time to read our full comprehensive report? Then listen as we unpack the most interesting findings from this year’s survey.
8/31/2023
Welcoming Fall With Treats & Promo Tricks
ASI Media talks about Halloween creep, favorite candies and costumes, and marketing tips for taking advantage of the changing season.
8/22/2023
Overcoming Reluctance in Sales
Fear of rejection among salespeople is more common than one might think. Sales expert Alice Kemper joins the podcast for her top tips for conquering it.
8/15/2023
Married Couples Starting a Business? Follow This Advice
A top lawyer outlines the concrete steps that spouses should take when going into business together.
8/8/2023
K&B’s Fourth-Generation CEOs: ‘Honoring the Past, Reinventing the Future’
Recently named co-chief executive officers of Kaeser & Blair, brothers Brad and Mitch Kaeser share insights on how they plan to keep the Top 40 firm that’s been in their family for 100 years relevant and growing.
8/1/2023
Counselor’s 2023 Bess Cohn Humanitarian of the Year: Teresa Fudenberg
Teresa Fudenberg, CEO of Storm Creek, says her company has committed to donating at least $5 million to charity by 2030.
7/31/2023
Counselor’s 2023 Distributor Entrepreneurs: Jon Alagem and Michael Scott Cohen
The innovators at the helm of Harper + Scott talk about deciding to go into business together, their favorite recent projects and their plans for the future.
7/28/2023
Counselor’s 2023 Woman of Distinction: Mary Dobsch
The president of The Chest looks back on her time in promo and what she appreciates most about the industry.
7/27/2023
From Pavement Pounding to CEO of a $65 Million Company – Andy Shape Shares His Story
Shape, a longtime promo products pro and CEO of Stran & Company, is Counselor’s 2023 Person of the Year.
7/14/2023
The Story Behind BDA’s European Expansion – and What Lies Ahead
CEO Jay Deutsch, a member of Counselor’s Power 50, discusses the recent acquisition of Germany-based ipm | gruppe and how BDA is looking to aggressively grow sales across the pond.
7/11/2023
Finding & Retaining Sales Talent
Business strategist and sales coach Michelle Parisi shares her expert tips for effective hiring and managing of a high-performing team.
6/27/2023
Harness the Power of Print, Promo & Marketing Collabs
Joe Favre of Vanguard Promotions explains how combining services can lead to powerful client engagement.
6/21/2023
When Style & Sustainability Go Hand in Hand
Fashion industry veteran Pam Seidman launched reusable bag brand BYBBA, creating high-end products made from 100% recycled ocean plastic.
6/15/2023
Create a Killer Pitch With Precious Williams
Precious Williams, a 13-time national elevator pitch champion, trainer, TEDx speaker and bestselling author, will be sharing her knowledge at the upcoming ASI Chicago show in July.
6/9/2023
Welcome Summer
Executive Editors Theresa Hegel and Sara Lavenduski talk warm-weather branded merchandise sales and try some fun and wacky treats – like shrimp-flavored chips and iced tea fruit snacks.
6/2/2023
Catching Up With the 2023 Distributor Salespeople of the Year
Lorin Carlino Ogawa and Marissa Carlino, swag specialists at Creative Solutions, talk about the early days of the company their mother founded and their advice for fellow family-owned businesses.
6/2/2023
A Conversation With the 2023 Supplier Salesperson of the Year
Claire Ashford, southwest regional sales manager for Top 40 supplier Tekweld, talks about her sales philosophy and what she loves about the promotional products industry.